2021 Audi Driver Assist System Malfunctions TSB

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2063502/2, released on September 3, 2021, by Audi, provides a software update to resolve multiple driver assist system malfunctions in various 2021 Audi models. These issues can affect features like intersection assist, side assist, and adaptive cruise control, often leading to dashboard warning messages and diagnostic trouble codes.

This bulletin supersedes TSB Group 91 number 21-15, dated July 16, 2021, and is crucial for addressing the underlying software issues causing these problems. Owners experiencing an Audi e-tron driver assist malfunction should have their vehicle inspected by an authorized Audi service center.

Symptoms

Owners may notice several issues related to their vehicle's driver assist systems. These symptoms often indicate an underlying software problem that can be resolved with the prescribed update.

Commonly reported symptoms include:

• Lane change assist/Intersection assist: These systems may sporadically stop working.
• Instrument cluster warning messages: Owners might see one of the following messages displayed:
  • "Intersection assist: fault. Please contact service."
  • "Side assist and exit warning system: fault. Please contact service."
  • "Rear cross-traffic assist: fault. Please contact service."
  • "Audi pre sense: fault. Please contact service."
• Traffic sign recognition: Speed limit settings based on traffic signs are not permanently stored and are lost with every ignition cycle.
• Adaptive Cruise Assist (ACA): In vehicles equipped with steel suspension, the ACA system may disengage or lose calibration when towing a trailer or using a bike rack.

Fault Codes / DTCs

Technicians may find specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in various control modules when diagnosing an Audi e-tron driver assist malfunction.

• DTC B200FF9 (Internal malfunction): This code may be found in the front corner radar control modules (J1088/J1089, address words 00DB/00DC) with symptom code 1311089.
• DTC B200FF9 (Internal Malfunction): This code may also be present in the lane change assist control modules (J769/J770, address words 003C/00CF) with one or more of the following symptom codes: 1311057, 1311058, 1311059, and/or 1311060.

It's important to note that some customer concerns, as described above, may not always result in a stored DTC.

Important Warnings / What Owners Should Know

Audi has provided specific instructions and warnings for both technicians and owners regarding this software update. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for proper repair and to avoid potential issues.

• Specific DTC B200FF9 Exclusion: "This TSB does not apply to DTC(s) B200FF9 in the driver assist systems control module, J1121 (address word 00A5). Please refer to PSS 2061489: PSS 90 Pre sense malfunction/driver assist systems sporadically inop, DTC B200FF9 is stored in the driver assist module." Owners should ensure the correct TSB is applied for their specific DTC B200FF9 scenario.
• Prerequisite Campaigns: "All outstanding campaigns must have been completed prior to running this update." This ensures all necessary preliminary updates are in place.
• Event Data Recorder (EDR) Backup: "Federal law requires the airbag's Event Data Recorder (EDR) to be backed up prior to running the update in this TSB (required only for MY20 Audi e-tron quattro and Audi e-tron sportback, skip to Step 4 for all other vehicles)." Customer consent is required for this procedure.
• Personalization Settings: "This update includes multiple control modules. Certain customer personalization settings might be reset to factory settings by this update." Owners should be aware that some custom settings may need to be reconfigured after the update.
• Third-Party Modifications: "The dealership/workshop, Audi of America and/or Audi AG are not liable for third party modifications, like undocumented retrofits, non-genuine accessories or any other modification not approved by Audi of America that might be rendered inoperable by this update." Any non-OEM accessories or modifications could be affected.
• Update Method: "Always start the update out of ODIS. Please do not perform the update via the red engineering menu (method 2) unless you have been given prior approval from TAC." This instruction is for technicians to ensure the update is performed correctly.

Technical Background

This TSB addresses optimizations to multiple driver assist features through a software update. The update specifically targets and affects several key control modules within the vehicle's driver assistance systems.

The control modules involved in this update include:

• Driver assist systems control module, J1121 (zFAS, address word 00A5)
• Adaptive cruise control module, J428 (address word 0013)
• Lane change assist control module, J769/J770 (address words 003C/00CF)
• Front left/front right radar sensor control module for object detection, J1088/J1089 (address words 00DB/00DC)
• Control module for laser distance control, J1122 (address word 00CD)
• Airbag control module, J234 (address word 0015)

Audi has implemented new software in production vehicles to prevent these issues from occurring in newer models.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for an Audi e-tron driver assist malfunction involves a comprehensive software update using the Audi diagnostic system (ODIS) and specific Software Version Management (SVM) codes. The process is designed to ensure all relevant control modules receive the necessary software improvements.

1. Identify zFAS System: Technicians first determine the driver assist systems control module (zFAS), J1121, system designation using ODIS.
2. Prepare Update Media: Based on the zFAS variant and model year, the appropriate update media is selected:
   • For zFAS Var A, no SD Card is required.
   • For MY20 Audi e-tron quattro and Audi e-tron sportback with zFAS Var B/C, SD Card Part Number 4N0906961AR is needed.
   • For all other vehicles with zFAS Var B/C, a USB-C drive Part Number 4N1906961 is required.
3. EDR Backup (MY20 e-tron only): For MY20 Audi e-tron quattro and sportback models, federal law mandates backing up the airbag's Event Data Recorder (EDR) before proceeding. Customer consent is required, and technicians must run test program "J234 – Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2061023" in ODIS.
4. Update Peripheral Modules: Peripheral control modules are updated using SVM code FASISKD5A001. This step typically takes 20-30 minutes.
5. Exit Flash Context: The technician must exit the flash context in ODIS before proceeding to the next steps.
6. Insert Update Media: If the vehicle has zFAS Var B/C, the appropriate SD Card or USB-C drive is inserted. Reference TSB 2056558 for MIB2+ or TSB 2060523 for MIB3 software update instructions.
7. Update zFAS Software: The zFAS application software is updated using SVM Code FASISKD5A002. This update should be started outside of ODIS and takes approximately 30 minutes.
8. Bus Sleep Cycle: To finalize the update, the vehicle must perform a bus sleep cycle. This involves exiting the ODIS flash context, switching off the ignition, removing all diagnostic equipment, closing and locking all doors, the hood, and the trunk, and waiting approximately six minutes without disturbing the vehicle.

The entire update process, including software and SVM work, is estimated to take between 60 and 120 minutes.

Required Tools or Parts

Performing this software update requires specific tools and parts to ensure proper execution and resolution of the Audi e-tron driver assist malfunction.

• ODIS Tester: The official Audi diagnostic system is essential for performing the software update.
• SVM Code: Specific SVM codes (FASISKD5A001, FASISKD5A002) are used to initiate and manage the update process.
• Software Update Package: This may be on an SD Card or downloaded from MirrorServer using the SD Creator Program.
• SD Card P/N 4N0906961AR: Required for MY20 Audi e-tron quattro and sportback models with zFAS Var B/C.
• USB-C drive P/N 4N1906961: Required for all other vehicles with zFAS Var B/C.

Warranty Information

Audi provides specific guidelines for warranty claims related to this Technical Service Bulletin.

• Claim Type: The repair is covered under Claim Type 110 for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, Claim Type G10 applies, subject to owner verification.
• Service Number: 9093
• Damage Code: 0039
• Labor Operations:
  • Software Update (includes checking for DTCs): 0151 0000 (Maximum 200 Technical Units)
  • Road test after the service procedure: 0121 0004 (10 Technical Units)
• Diagnostic Time: No allowance is provided for general diagnostic time (GFF) or road test prior to service.
• Claim Comment: Claims should include the comment "As per TSB #2063502/2".

All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review by Audi Warranty. If a vehicle is outside its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only.

Related Bulletins

Several other Technical Service Bulletins are referenced as necessary for completing this procedure or for related issues:

• PSS 2061489: PSS 90 Pre sense malfunction/driver assist systems sporadically inop, DTC B200FF9 is stored in the driver assist module. (This TSB is for a specific B200FF9 scenario not covered by TSB 2063502/2).
• TSB 2011732: 00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions.
• TSB 2056558: 91 MIB2+ Software Update Instructions.
• TSB 2047812: 00 SD Creator: how to set up and use the SD Creator for obtaining vehicle software updates via the MirrorServer.
• TSB 2060523: 91 MIB3 Software Update Instructions.
• TSB 2062601: 90 DTC U110100 is stored in the driver assistance systems control module.

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NHTSA ID: 10201512